Non-Pharmocological Interventions
Throughout my ordeal I have not only used medications to manage my pain, but many other non-pharmocological interventions as well starting from the very beginning. Working in Palliative Medicine, I had access to some great knowledge in regards to the tools used in pain management. I knew medications like the back of my hand, but I also knew other tools to help distract the mind when it came to acute and chronic pain. I have tried most of these "tools", and I often get slightly frustrated when someone says "have you tried"... or comes to me with their latest and greatest "cure". First of all, their is no "cure", second of all I have spent hours upon hours tending to my pain, and researching options that were the best for me and my condition. I have reasons I can and can not try certain things. Physical Therapy has never been an option, as movement required of my legs or being on my legs only causes inflammation in the lumbar spine thus making the symptoms of the Arachnoiditis worse and increasing my pain. So, physical therapy, and exercise are not an option for me. This I learned very early on, when the Dr that damaged me (Orthopedic Surgeon) put me in physical therapy. I walked in to this "Swing Physical Therapy" attached to MountainSide Fitness, almost knowing immediately I should not be there (my gut told me), but a Dr ordered it, so it had to be the right thing for me? I was greeted by a muscly young adult who began working out my legs. I immediately felt my lumbar spine swelling, when you have this condition, you begin to understand and feel inflammation. I felt my legs getting weaker. I said to him in a meek voice that I wasnt able to do these exercises, he replied "why not" and almost insinuated something about my weight. I felt the tears building in my throat, I just didnt have the energy or the emotional stamina to explain. I told him I would discuss with my Dr and reschedule. I left quickly, before the tears flowed. You know those times when you know things just arent right? Well, that was one of those times, I knew I shouldn't have been there. I went to my car, called my husband, cried, not only out of emotional pain, but physical too. I was right, I shouldnt have been there, I could not walk for a couple days. Physical Therapy was not helpful, it was harmful. It would be the last time I let someone cause me more harm. I had truly been through enough, and I had to learn to speak up.
Working for Hospice, I was blessed with some of the best Physicians around. I learned from them, and at times we were offered inservices and learning opportunities. One Physician put on an 8-week Mindfulness series. I had read how helpful Mindfulness can be for pain management and I thought not only could I benefit personally, but taking this course, I would help my patients and families as well with what I learn. I completed the 8 week course and to this day I have the tools to use Mindfulness as a non-pharmocological intervention to pain management.
I was also seeing a pain counselor, she focused on individuals whos lives had been changed by chronic pain and illness. She helped me understand just what I was facing. At the time I was working my 2-3 jobs, and once again facing the Bertolotti's Syndrome for the 3rd time which was limiting me physically and I needed to take a step back on some things in life. I felt comfortable enough with terminating these sessions.
I spent time on an online group for Arachnoiditis, they discussed interventions on there, one suggested was Myofascial Massage/Release, and began researching a bit more. These therapists are difficult to come by, as it can be a physical therapist that is trained in the technique or a masseuse. I was able to locate one nearby at a Physical Therapy Center. I began to go biweekly. Myofascial release is beneficial to Arachnoiditis patients as it breaks of the scar tissue in the fascia. She was so understanding of my needs, it was helpful and I did this for several months until my pain progressed and it was more and more difficult for me to prioritize work with other appointments.
My pelvic floor therapist used a technique called needling (similar to acupuncture). I was unable to tolerate acupunture any longer. Unfortunately I was also unable to tolerate Needling. My spine has become too sensitive, I am almost unable to be touched.
I continue to buy ice and heat packs until I find the right ones. I can say our freezer is stocked. I use them throughout the day, everyday. I often have to use them while I am driving. If we travel, they go with us to a hotel. I find ice is truly a lifesaver.
I have used every cream and patch on the market... until I became allergic to adhesive, then..every patch went into the garbage. I can't say they necessarily helped or didn't. I know they gave me some relief and maybe felt good for a short amount of time. The smell of Bengay never bothered me.
Essential oils, you have heard of those by now? I just wasn't sure what to think at first. But now, I think I have most of them. My favorite, Frankincense, I love to add it to epsom salt and soak in a bath. I have added them to Jojoba Oil and put them on my back. I have added them to lotion and done the same. I have used them orally. Why not? I have this outlook now that anything is worth a try. When you struggle with chronic pain, I think you are willing to try just about anything you know won't hurt you.
Vitamins and Supplements have become a topic of research as well. There are many for joint pain and inflammation, I make my own Tumeric gel caps, Bosweila (White Willow Bark) is good for joint pain. I could go on and on about Nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets etc. We call know that helps, what you may not understand is when you are in chronic pain, and have the conditions I do, I can not stand up and cook, I often do not eat at all as I am nauseas from the pain. When I do eat, it is only what sounds good to me or I probably would not eat at all. It is something I can grab easily. With that being said, an anti-inflammatory diet is not at the top of my priority list at this time.
Distractions serve as a tool for pain control, I try to read, color, do crafts, puzzle books, online games etc. I also struggle with Chronic Fatigue, so sometimes I do not get far, but the efforts are there.
The most frustrating thing to me about Pain is judgement. Do not judge a situation you have not been in. If you have not lived with Chronic Pain, do not judge those do. Acute Pain and Chronic Pain are two very different scenarios. There is an end to acute pain. There is not an end to Chronic Pain. I have no choice but to depend on many different interventions to get my pain under control. It is not for anyone to judge the ways I go about controlling my pain, because believe me, it's not exhausting in itself.
Working for Hospice, I was blessed with some of the best Physicians around. I learned from them, and at times we were offered inservices and learning opportunities. One Physician put on an 8-week Mindfulness series. I had read how helpful Mindfulness can be for pain management and I thought not only could I benefit personally, but taking this course, I would help my patients and families as well with what I learn. I completed the 8 week course and to this day I have the tools to use Mindfulness as a non-pharmocological intervention to pain management.
I was also seeing a pain counselor, she focused on individuals whos lives had been changed by chronic pain and illness. She helped me understand just what I was facing. At the time I was working my 2-3 jobs, and once again facing the Bertolotti's Syndrome for the 3rd time which was limiting me physically and I needed to take a step back on some things in life. I felt comfortable enough with terminating these sessions.
I spent time on an online group for Arachnoiditis, they discussed interventions on there, one suggested was Myofascial Massage/Release, and began researching a bit more. These therapists are difficult to come by, as it can be a physical therapist that is trained in the technique or a masseuse. I was able to locate one nearby at a Physical Therapy Center. I began to go biweekly. Myofascial release is beneficial to Arachnoiditis patients as it breaks of the scar tissue in the fascia. She was so understanding of my needs, it was helpful and I did this for several months until my pain progressed and it was more and more difficult for me to prioritize work with other appointments.
My pelvic floor therapist used a technique called needling (similar to acupuncture). I was unable to tolerate acupunture any longer. Unfortunately I was also unable to tolerate Needling. My spine has become too sensitive, I am almost unable to be touched.
I continue to buy ice and heat packs until I find the right ones. I can say our freezer is stocked. I use them throughout the day, everyday. I often have to use them while I am driving. If we travel, they go with us to a hotel. I find ice is truly a lifesaver.
I have used every cream and patch on the market... until I became allergic to adhesive, then..every patch went into the garbage. I can't say they necessarily helped or didn't. I know they gave me some relief and maybe felt good for a short amount of time. The smell of Bengay never bothered me.
Essential oils, you have heard of those by now? I just wasn't sure what to think at first. But now, I think I have most of them. My favorite, Frankincense, I love to add it to epsom salt and soak in a bath. I have added them to Jojoba Oil and put them on my back. I have added them to lotion and done the same. I have used them orally. Why not? I have this outlook now that anything is worth a try. When you struggle with chronic pain, I think you are willing to try just about anything you know won't hurt you.
Vitamins and Supplements have become a topic of research as well. There are many for joint pain and inflammation, I make my own Tumeric gel caps, Bosweila (White Willow Bark) is good for joint pain. I could go on and on about Nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets etc. We call know that helps, what you may not understand is when you are in chronic pain, and have the conditions I do, I can not stand up and cook, I often do not eat at all as I am nauseas from the pain. When I do eat, it is only what sounds good to me or I probably would not eat at all. It is something I can grab easily. With that being said, an anti-inflammatory diet is not at the top of my priority list at this time.
Distractions serve as a tool for pain control, I try to read, color, do crafts, puzzle books, online games etc. I also struggle with Chronic Fatigue, so sometimes I do not get far, but the efforts are there.
The most frustrating thing to me about Pain is judgement. Do not judge a situation you have not been in. If you have not lived with Chronic Pain, do not judge those do. Acute Pain and Chronic Pain are two very different scenarios. There is an end to acute pain. There is not an end to Chronic Pain. I have no choice but to depend on many different interventions to get my pain under control. It is not for anyone to judge the ways I go about controlling my pain, because believe me, it's not exhausting in itself.
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